Asmara is a large German owned and managed garden restaurant. As with most of the tourists restaurants in Senggigi the menu encompasses many different cuisines, which of course includes some German options.
A special playing area for children is situated on the top level so parents can eat on the same level whilst watching over their children, without having a big noise at the table. There are even two play stations provided for their amusement. A Special Kid's Menu includes Mini Schnitzels and Hot Dogs, chicken Nuggets and Fish Fingers.
Amongst the entrees and snacks a Shrimp Cocktail combines many shrimp with diced green apple in a traditional cocktail sauce. Half a pineapple, hollowed out, is filled to overflowing with the mixture. Tuna Carpaccio has a dill and mustard sauce to complement it.
Crab & Corn and Duck Soups are done 'Chinese style', the Roasted Tomato Soup is topped with a puree of fresh basil and scattered with crusty croutons. All the usual salads are available; Greek, Caesar, etc.
The Indonesian dishes are mainly local ones, or Lombok versions os Indonesian standards. Gulai Lombok is a beef curry where even the vegetables are spicy. Even the Grilled Fish Fillet is immersed in a very spicy chilli and garlic sauce. Ayam Taliwang [the local grilled spring chicken] and Pelecing Kangkung [water spinach in the same fiery sambal ulek] are both available here, as they are in almost every restaurant in Lombok. For vegetarians Tahu dan Tempe Goreng is fried tofu and soy bean cake with your choice of either the very hot sambal ulek or the mild sambal kecap.
From the German menu is Frikadellen, patties of minced beef served in mustard gravy and those German crisp and golden brown sautéed potatoes. A Beef Ragout [in red wine gravy] and an Austrian Wiener Schnitzel are also available.
International meat dishes include Chicken Breast stuffed with blue cheese, Chicken Coconut [breast coated with grated coconut and topped with baked banana, served in a fruit curry sauce]. The Grilled Chicken has previously been marinated in a mixture of seed mustard, rosemary and lemon.
Beef Steaks [in 200 or 300 gram portions] are done in many different styles; blue cheese sauce, 'chasseur' and green pepper, all served with potato croquettes, whilst a traditional German with onion gravy is with sautéed potatoes.
The many seafood dishes can be had as individual [Thai Style Prawns, Stuffed Squid or Tuna Steak with tarragon butter] or in a combined dish [Mixed Seafood, grilled king prawns, squid and fish or the Seafood Basket [same contents but coated in breadcrumbs]. Live Lobsters are usually available from the tank at the front of the restaurant whilst a variety of fresh seafood can also be grilled to order.
A reasonable wine list with a low mark-up and friendly service make Asmara one of the more pleasant places to visit in Senggigi.
